Mr. James Hewitt (Teacher)
Diocese of Erie
Assigned as Follows:
- Immaculate Conception School (Clarion, PA)
Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations against Mr. James Hewitt:
Mr. James Hewitt was former lay teacher who worked at Immaculate Conception School in Clarion, PA in the Diocese of Erie. In late September 2018, Mr. Hewitt was added to the Diocese of Erie’s Public Disclosure List of lay people credibly accused of actions that, in the diocese’s judgment, disqualify that person from working with children. These actions range from corruption of minors to direct physical sexual abuse or sexual assault of minors. Hewitt is listed under a section for individuals who are deceased, but who would have been prevented from working with children in light of the allegations had they still been alive.
According to media reports, in March 2019, a woman alleged that James Hewitt sexually abused her when she was a 12- to 13-year-old student at Immaculate Conception School from either 1973 or 1974. Hewitt reportedly began making advances toward her during his first year teaching at Immaculate Conception and started with letters of a sexual nature but soon escalated to physical acts. This abuse occurred on multiple occasions inside the school when the teacher would take her away from her classmates, often to a utility or locker room. The abuse continued on a regular basis until her family moved away in 1976.
Hewitt died in 2011.
Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and other clergy in the Diocese of Erie. If you need a lawyer because you were sexually abused by a priest in Pennsylvania, contact our office today. Although many years have passed, those abused by Catholic clergy in the Diocese of Erie may have legal options, but filing deadlines will apply so please do not delay in reaching out to us.
Contact us at 888-283-9922 or [email protected] to discuss your options today.